Many of the fires in the area north of Bairnsdale, Bruthen and Nowa Nowa, remain uncontained and the recent rain has done little to reduce the risk of bushfires.

At a community meeting on Tuesday night in Bruthen, attendees were reminded that if they haven’t already done so, to prepare themselves for this fire season.

“The rain was very welcome and helped provide water to households, however, with the forecast weather it will do little to extinguish the fires,” Incident Controller in Bairnsdale, Peter Brick, said.

“It’s very important to know what you are going to do on days of high fire danger or if a fire is threatening your local area. If you are leaving home for the day take a bag with a few essentials in case roads are blocked or closed. Have a plan and be prepared.”

“With the very dry conditions being experienced in East Gippsland, fires can travel through the landscape very quickly. Think ahead and contact your local CFA for information on how to prepare your property if you haven’t already done so.”

The Great Alpine Road has been closed since Monday after fire crossed the road and burnt trees along either side. Burnt trees have continued to fall over the past two days.

Forest Fire Management Victoria crews and Regional Roads Victoria are working to make the road safe and get it open. A detour is in place along unsealed roads north of Bruthen at Engineers Road and south of Ensay at Ash Range Road. The detour is not suitable for trucks or caravans.

The 8213 hectare bushfire nine kilometres east of Bruthen was not yet under control yesterday morning with seven vehicles responding. An advice message was issued for Bruthen, Buchan South, Callinans, Double Bridges, Nowa Nowa, Ramrod Creek and Timbarra.

Nine vehicles managed to contain a 63ha fire 15 kilometres north of Glenaladale, while a blaze on the west side of Barmouth Spur was not yet under control.

An advice message was issued on Wednesday night for Buchan, Ensay, Ensay North, Holstons, Nunniong, Reedy Flat and Timbarra for the bushfire 6km east of the township of Ensay, which was not yet under control.

Firefighters were still battling a 40ha fire 12km north-east of Tambo Crossing
Three fires in the Gelantipy area were brought under control, however, the 10,150ha 10km east of W Tree was out of control with an advice message issued for Butchers Ridge, Gelantipy, W Tree and Wulgulmerang West.

A blaze 28km west of Goongerah was out of control, while two fires south of Tosatree were under control.